2014 March - Pro Football Rumors

NFC West Notes: Allen, McGlynn, L.A.

March 21st, 2014 at 12:35pm CST by Luke Adams

Free agent defensive end Jared Allen seemed on the verge of reaching an agreement with the Seahawks yesterday, but continues to deliberate for now. Allen seems to be not only weighing offers from the Seahawks and other suitors, but also considering whether he’ll even continue his career. While retirement seems unlikely for the veteran pass rusher, there were rumblings about that possibility earlier this month, and according to Ed Werder of ESPN.com (via Twitter), Allen told him at the start of free agency that there was a “walk-away number” he wouldn’t go below.

As we wait for Allen to make his decision, let’s round up a few other items from out of the NFC West:

After meeting with the Redskins earlier this week, free agent offensive lineman Mike McGlynn will visit with the Rams, according to Pro Football Talk (via Twitter).
If there’s someone “remotely associated with the NFL” who believes it was a coincidence that Rams owner Stan Kroenke purchased land in Los Angeles large enough to accommodate a stadium, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com has yet to meet that person. In a lengthy piece, La Canfora explores the possibility of the Rams or Raiders eventually making their way back to L.A.
Antonio Cromartie’s one-year deal with the Cardinals has a base value of $3.5MM, and it’s guaranteed for almost the entire amount, says Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter links). The contract includes a $1MM signing bonus, a $2.25MM guaranteed base salary, $25K in total per-game roster bonuses, and an extra $750K available via incentives.

Lions Re-Sign Andre Fluellen

March 21st, 2014 at 11:20am CST by Luke Adams

The Lions have re-signed defensive tackle Andre Fluellen, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (via Twitter). Fluellen, who has spent nearly all of his six NFL seasons in Detroit, had been an unrestricted free agent.

With the signing, the Lions add some depth to their defensive line by bringing back a familiar face. Last season, Fluellen appeared in 170 defensive snaps for the club, recording three tackles, pressuring the quarterback five times, and recovering a fumble. He’ll almost certainly be on a minimum salary benefit deal.

Meanwhile, the Lions continue to seek out upgrades in other areas of their defense. Earlier today, we heard that the team was eyeing three potential options at safety, including James Ihedigbo and Thomas DeCoud. Birkett reports (via Twitter) that DeCoud left today’s visit in Detroit without a deal in place, but he’s not the only free agent the team is hosting. According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter), safety Chris Clemons is visiting with the Lions today, making him the third safety the club is considering.

NFC East Links: Redskins, Jackson, Cowboys

March 21st, 2014 at 10:37am CST by Luke Adams

Although the Redskins have been fairly active in free agency, the team hasn’t really brought in any outside impact players besides defensive lineman Jason Hatcher, and there are still several holes on the roster, writes Mike Jones of the Washington Post. As such, GM Bruce Allen wasn’t necessarily brimming with enthusiasm when asked about his club’s free agent haul.

“I feel okay [about free agency],” Allen said. “It’s easier if you said we had one or two deficiencies to target players, but we needed to address every position on the football team except for quarterback. And, so we talked to a lot of players at the beginning of free agency, tried to calculate who we could afford and who we couldn’t, knowing that we needed at least a dozen if not more.”

As the Redskins continue to seek out players to potentially fill their roster holes, let’s round up a few other NFC East notes…

Within Jones’ piece, he notes that the Redskins remain in talks with free agent safety Ryan Clark.
Up until now, the Eagles haven’t commented publicly on the DeSean Jackson trade rumors swirling around the team, but as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes, the team’s decision-makers won’t be able to avoid the media at the NFL’s annual meetings in Orlando next week. Florio believes the situation could come to a head within the next week. Yesterday, we heard that the Jets, Panthers, and Raiders are among the teams to have inquired about Jackson’s availability.
Within his latest chat, Tim Cowlishaw of the Dallas Morning News fielded questions from Cowboys fans about the draft, the defense, and whether Anthony Spencer is still a viable free agent target.

Falcons, Hester Agree To Three-Year Deal

March 21st, 2014 at 9:40am CST by Luke Adams

FRIDAY, 9:40am: Speaking to reporters today, including ESPN.com’s Vaughn McClure and D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (all Twitter links), Hester confirmed he had been seeking $3-4MM per year. The veteran return man added that he received interest from 13 teams, and that he had also been considering the Bucs, Niners, Dolphins, and Seahawks before reaching an agreement with Atlanta. As Ledbetter writes, Hester ultimately signed a three-year, $9MM pact with the Falcons, including a $2.5MM signing bonus.

THURSDAY, 2:18pm: The Falcons have bolstered their special teams unit, agreeing to terms on a three-year contract with free agent return specialist Devin Hester, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). Hester had visited with the team earlier in the week.

One of NFL’s all-time great kick and punt returners, Hester has played increasingly less on offense in recent years for the Bears, contributing exclusively in the return game in 2013. Although he turned 31 in November, Hester still led the NFL with 1,436 kick returns on 52 attempts, good for a 27.6 average, and threw in a punt return touchdown for good measure. For his career, Hester has 19 return TDs, tied for an NFL record.

Earlier in the week, we heard that Hester was seeking an annual salary in the $4MM range, but it would be surprising if Atlanta went that high, unless very little of the total amount was guaranteed. Still, it sounds as if he won’t necessarily be used exclusively on returns in Atlanta. ESPN.com’s Vaughn McClure tweets that the Falcons told Hester they’d find creative ways to use him, which suggests the longtime Bear may see some snaps on offense.

FA Rumors: Ihedigbo, DeCoud, Britt, Incognito

March 21st, 2014 at 9:16am CST by Luke Adams

James Ihedigbo won’t be returning to his old team, and there’s a chance he also won’t be headed to the club he looked likely to land with last week. According to Matt Zenitz of the Carroll County Times, the Ravens are no longer in the running for the free agent safety, who has narrowed his decision down to three NFC teams — one is believed to be the Lions, who appeared to be closing in on Ihedigbo last Thursday. Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun adds (via Twitter) that Baltimore wasn’t willing to match the Lions’ initial offer, but it sounds like two other clubs are at least in that ballpark.

Here are a few more Friday morning free agent updates:

Free agent safety Thomas DeCoud may represent a Plan B for the Lions if they can’t land Ihedigbo. DeCoud, who was released by the Falcons earlier in the offseason, is visiting Detroit today, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter).
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (Twitter link) expects the Lions to sign a safety very soon, and says it sounds like there are three potential options on the table, which suggests the team is eyeing another player in addition to Ihedigbo and DeCoud.
Agent Pat Dye Jr. confirmed last night that Kenny Britt had received from the Bills, and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com says (via Twitter) the free agent receiver will be making his next visit to Buffalo.
Rapoport also reports (Twitter links) that while free agent guard Richie Incognito can sign with an NFL team, he can’t play or be paid until undergoing a comprehensive evaluation by medical advisors designated by the league and the NFLPA.
Adam Caplan of ESPN.com passes along a pair of free agent nuggets, tweeting that fullback Spencer Larsen worked out for the Bills and cornerback Elbert Mack worked out for the Bengals.
With Matt Schaub heading to Oakland, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link) predicts that the Browns will land Rex Grossman, adding that perhaps Mark Sanchez ends up on the Bills and Michael Vick lands with the Jets. Vick is visiting with the Jets today, and the club also has to make a decision soon on Sanchez, who is owed a roster bonus on Tuesday.

Greg McElroy Announces Retirement

March 21st, 2014 at 8:58am CST by Luke Adams

Bengals quarterback Greg McElroy has announced his retirement as an NFL player, via his Twitter account.

“Thank you to Marvin Lewis, the Brown family, and the entire Cincinnati Bengals’ organization,” McElroy wrote, referring to the team with which he had most recently signed a futures/reserve contract. “The fans make this decision especially difficult, as you have provided so much joy throughout my career. Playing in the NFL was my lifelong dream; therefore, I must also thank the New York Jets for providing me with my initial opportunity.”

McElroy, 25, was drafted in the 7th round in 2011 by the Jets, and spent two seasons with the team. The former Crimson Tide signal-caller appeared in two games for New York in the 2012 season — while he lost his only career start against the Chargers, he also led the Jets to a comeback victory over the Cardinals in his relief appearance, making his only NFL touchdown pass a game-winner.

Steelers Re-Sign Michael Palmer

March 21st, 2014 at 8:16am CST by Luke Adams

The Steelers have added some depth at the tight end position by re-signing Michael Palmer, according to Burt Lauten, the team’s PR man (Twitter link). Palmer inked a one-year deal to remain in Pittsburgh.

Palmer, 26, spent the first three seasons of his career with the Falcons before joining the Steelers for 2013. In Atlanta, he made a handful of catches per season, but he hauled in just one pass for eight yards in Pittsburgh, spending most of his 49 offensive snaps playing as a blocker. The Clemson product also contributed on special teams, making a pair of tackles in coverage.

Terms of the deal weren’t announced, but it’ll certainly be a minimum salary benefit contract for Palmer.

Extra Points: MJD, Britt, Smith, Jets

March 20th, 2014 at 10:00pm CST by Zachary Links

Maurice Jones-Drew is currently looking for about $3.5MM per year on his next deal, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. Even though the former Jaguars star has accomplished great things throughout his career, finding big money as an older tailback in this market could prove to be tough. More from around the NFL..

Don’t bank on the Cowboys signing Jared Allen, says Albert Breer of the NFL Network (Twitter links). Breer’s understanding is that it was an either/or proposition when it came to Allen and Henry Melton, whom Dallas signed earlier this week. That could change if Allen’s asking price comes down, however.
The Bills and Panthers have expressed interest in wide receiver Kenny Britt and visits may be taking place with those teams, agent Pat Dye Jr. tells Alex Marvez of FOX Sports 1 (via Twitter). Dye says a short-term deal for Britt, who has already checked in with the Redskins, Rams, and Patriots, is likely.
On SNY (via Manish Mehta of the Daily News on Twitter), Jets coach Rex Ryan gave Geno Smith quite the endorsement. “Make no mistake about it: Geno Smith is going to be hard to beat out. I don’t care who we add,” Ryan said.
The Jets have expressed a desire to re-sign guard Vlad Ducasse, but Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com (on Twitter) sees him signing with the Bengals or Vikings.
In addition to the Jets, the Panthers and Raiders have also called the Eagles about DeSean Jackson, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. There seems to be a healthy amount of interest in the 27-year-old.
Former Browns All-Pro safety T.J. Ward indicated via Twitter that Cleveland’s new brass really didn’t want him back. “Quotes get misunderstood all the time,” the new member of the Broncos wrote. “Just FYI. Cleveland offered me nothing. Boom! There u have it. #GoBroncos.”
The Panthers are working out receivers Kevin Cone, Lestar Jean, and C.J. Akins, tweets Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer. Aikins spent time with the Rams in 2013.
Dolphins GM Dennis Hickey told SiriusXM NFL Radio (on Twitter) that he’s not done shopping just yet. “Free agency never closes. We’re always looking to add more players.“

Draft Rumors: Bishop, Webster, Archer, Carr

March 20th, 2014 at 9:35pm CST by Zachary Links

Northern Illinois defensive tackle Ken Bishop is set to work out for the Dolphins, a source tells Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Bishop, an All-Mid-American conference selection projected as a later-round draft pick, had 59 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, and an interception last season. Here’s the latest draft news..

The Lions are hosting defensive end Larry Webster for a pre-draft visit today, tweets Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. Webster, who stands at 6’6″, 252 pounds, had 12.5 sacks for Bloomsburg University in 2013 and boasts a 4.58 second 40-yard-dash time.
Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon-Journal (on Twitter) spoke with Kent State running back Dri Archer, who says that he has workouts scheduled with the Dolphins, Patriots, Cardinals, and Colts.
Fresno State standout quarterback Derek Carr has met with Raiders, Titans, Vikings, and Browns since last night, tweets Marek Warszawski of the Fresno Bee (on Twitter).
Stanford safety Ed Reynolds has meetings scheduled with the Lions and Falcons, according to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle (on Twitter). Reynolds has a 38-inch vertical jump and ran a 4.41 second 40-yard-dash earlier today at his pro day.
The Giants will work out Maine outside linebacker/defensive end Michael Cole on April 10th, a league source tells Aaron Wilson. Cole had eight sacks last season and finished his career with 29 sacks, making him the all-time sack leader for the Black Bears.
One scouting director gave Albert Breer of NFL Network (Twitter link) a rundown of what he was looking for from Michael Sam today at the linebacker’s Pro Day. “He needs to show good movement in linebacker drills — Bend quickness and good feet and quickness in pass rush drills. Hopefully he is staying in good shape and not letting that go.”

Aqib Talib On Broncos, New Deal, CBA

March 20th, 2014 at 8:55pm CST by Zachary Links

The defending AFC Champions made it clear this offseason that they weren’t content to rest on their laurels heading into 2014. Denver turned heads with their signing of former Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib, a move that they hope will help bring their defense closer to the level of their stellar offense. Earlier today, Talib sat down with Sports Illustrated’s Peter King to talk about his big move..

On whether Talib had an offer from the Patriots that tempted him to stay:

“I definitely had an offer from the Patriots. But there was language in there that definitely was a little shaky compared to Denver’s offer. The Patriots are a great organization. I loved my time there. I loved playing for Bill. He’s a great leader. I’ll be able to tell my kids I played for Bill Belichick someday and I was Tom Brady’s teammate. Really, it’s just a dream I’m experiencing, when two great organizations want you like this.”

On whether he’s concerned that it’ll be easy for the Broncos to get out of his six-year, $54MM halfway through it:

“I don’t really get into that part of the business too much, how much of a contract is guaranteed and whether I’ll make it all the way through. I hope I stay here for six years. Hopefully I see all six years, because that means I’m playing well. But for me, I just come and play as hard as I can. It’s the same for me, thinking about this season, as it was last year, when I was in the last year of my contract. As a player, I don’t think you can worry about that too much.”

On what the offseason’s big-money signings say to him about the labor agreement:

“Now we’re seeing the good part of this CBA. You can see the CBA is working well for the players right now. The first couple of years, there were other things about the deal the players liked—the limited padded practices, training camp being easier on the players, players having more of an offseason. But now the cash part of the CBA is coming into view, and it’s good to see. I don’t know the exact rules, but when the cap goes up now, the owners have to spend more of the cap money than they did before. [Collectively, NFL teams must spend 95% of available cap money between 2013 and 2016, or the players’ association can take the unspent amount and distribute it to players.] I think the league is better off when the players are getting rewarded like this.”